Kenya has raised urgent concerns over its nationals caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for accountability and safeguards following reports of illegal recruitment.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei disclosed that the government formally communicated its position during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko.
The talks also focused on strengthening bilateral ties ahead of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s planned official visit to Moscow in March.
Sing’oei said Nairobi conveyed “grave concern” about Kenyan nationals reportedly caught in the war, some believed to have been recruited through irregular channels.
He emphasized the government’s demand for unimpeded consular access to affected citizens and clear procedures governing the repatriation of prisoners of war and the remains of those who have died.
“Our priority remains the safety and dignity of every Kenyan abroad,” Sing’oei noted, underscoring the state’s duty to protect its citizens regardless of location.
The PS also welcomed cooperation from the Russian embassy in preventing illegal recruitment networks from targeting Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Authorities have previously warned that foreign conflict zones are increasingly exploiting vulnerable job seekers through deceptive recruitment schemes.
The engagement comes amid growing international scrutiny over foreign fighters in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now entering its third year.
Kenyan officials say they are working with diplomatic partners to ensure affected citizens receive protection and humane treatment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Kenyans to verify overseas job offers through official channels and avoid travel arrangements that may expose them to conflict zones.